OpenAI and Disney Announce Three-Year Copyright Cooperation, $1 Billion Investment

OpenAI and Disney have finalized a three-year cooperation agreement, allowing OpenAI's Sora and ChatGPT Images to utilize over 200 characters from Disney, Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars brands. This authorization extends to associated costumes, props, vehicles, and iconic scenes.

Under the terms of the agreement, select Sora-generated videos will be streamed on Disney+. Disney will also make a $1 billion equity investment in OpenAI and receive additional warrants.

This collaboration marks a significant instance of "controlled openness" for major studios engaging with generative AI technologies. The success of such partnerships hinges on the effective implementation of institutional frameworks for copyright measurement, profit sharing, and content security. The objective is to foster a symbiotic relationship between fan-created and professional content, rather than displacement. The agreement was announced on December 11, 2025.